Some of the Best Zoos & Wildlife Parks in Great Britain
You can take the kids on a fun adventure without going too far from home by taking them to the zoo to see some amazing animals. Read on for our picks of the best zoos and wildlife parks in the United Kingdom.
1. Blackpool Zoo
Blackpool’s famed illuminations are as well-known as the town’s gorgeous sandy coastline and classic resort vibe. Away from the sand, though, is Blackpool Zoo, home to a wide variety of animals. Visit Giraffe Heights to get a glimpse of life from the perspective of the tallest living mammal, or explore the amazing world of birds at World of Wings, a walk-through aviary. There’s also Gorilla Mountain and Orangutan Outlook, where you can meet some naughty ape families, and a Children’s Farm with all the farm favorites for the small ones.
2. London Zoo
There is no better way to spend a day in London than visiting ZSL London Zoo. There are approximately 650 different species housed in this 36-acre conservation center, so plan to spend at least a week exploring it. Some of the highlights include the lion and penguin feedings, as well as the recently opened Giraffe Experience and Tiger Territory. Indulge your passion for zoos by signing up to be a keeper for the day or enrolling your kids in the junior zoo academy. That was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
3. Chester Zoo
Over 11,000 animals call Chester Zoo, one of the largest zoos in Britain, home. There is a big natural enclosure in Chester that is home to a herd of critically endangered Black Rhinos; this is known as the Tsavo Black Rhino Experience. In the Tropical Realm, you can visit with over 40 different species of rare birds while escaping the winter chill.
4. Longleat Safari Park
Longleat Safari Park is a safari park located in Wiltshire, England. The park is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and elephants. Visitors to the park can drive through the animal enclosures in their own cars, or take a guided tour on a bus. The park also features a number of attractions, including a hedge maze, a butterfly house, and a safari boat ride. Longleat Safari Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in England, and receives over one million visitors each year.
5. Edinburgh Zoo
The Edinburgh Zoo is celebrating its 105th year of operation and is a must-see for every visitor to Edinburgh. Yabbra, Goonaroo, and Alinga are the only Koalas in all of Britain, and meeting them will make any fan of cute animals squeal with glee. The two Giant Pandas and the stunning Sun Bear are also quite popular, although you should avoid touching them because of their sharp claws.
6. Drusillas Park
Do not miss Drusillas Park during your time in Sussex. Drusillas Park is widely regarded as the finest small zoo in all of Europe, and it is home to a variety of animals, as well as exciting playground and amusement park attractions. Visit the zoo in the middle of Drusillas to see hundreds of exotic creatures up close, from monkeys and meerkats to penguins and pandas; don’t miss the walk-through enclosures, Lemurland and Lory Landing. But interacting with animals isn’t even the best part! Go Wild!, Go Bananas!, Amazon Adventure, and Get Wet! offer the ultimate splash pad experience that your little monkeys will love. In addition, the roar-some Go Safari! features the thrilling Hippopotobus and Flying Cheetah rides, as well as a safari around the zoo on the Safari Express train, and the charming Hello Kitty Secret Garden, which features three popular rides in a gorgeous garden setting.
7. Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park is a family-friendly attraction in Stirling, Scotland, less than an hour’s drive from both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Start your adventure with a safari through the park, where you can observe many different kinds of animals. You’ll be howling with excitement at the sight of everything from gentle giants to curious kittens. After the tour is over, you can explore the numerous species on display and learn more during the day’s scheduled seminars and demonstrations. Join the boat trip to Chimp Island to see the playful monkeys at work all day. There’s plenty to keep visitors of all ages occupied, from the diverse landscapes to the abundant wildlife.
8. Bristol Zoo
Go on a journey of discovery at Bristol Zoo with hundreds of entertaining and fascinating creatures to encounter including some very special ones from farther afield. Kitawa and Kiri are Goodfellow’s tree kangaroos who are endangered in the wild and Kiri was born at the zoo in 2020. The zoo also just welcomed a red panda named Shifumi, who prefers to spend her time in the safety of a high tree branch. You may also enjoy kid-friendly attractions like Zoo-Ropia and adult-friendly spots like the Butterfly Forest and wild flower gardens, in addition to seeing exotic animals from all over the world.
9. Marwell Zoo
Marwell Zoo is ‘otterly’ eager to welcome you back, so bring the whole family for a day of adventure in Hampshire. You may see anything from common animals like penguins and giraffes to more exotic ones like Amur tigers, snow leopards, and white rhinos, all of which are critically endangered. There are over 140 acres of parkland suitable for getting up close and personal with the animals or even just having a sunny family picnic, in addition to the park’s five adventure playgrounds where kids can let their inner wild side run wild.
10. Whipsnade Zoo
Whipsnade is the largest zoo in the United Kingdom, so get ready for a day of adventure and learning. The zoo turned ninety in 2021, and in honor of the occasion, festivities were held all across the park. Over 3,500 creatures call the park’s 600 acres home, including brown bears, Amur tigers, penguins, and numerous Asian elephants and other endangered species. You may enjoy the beautiful Chilterns landscape and outdoor play areas while you wait to see the animals.
